Caravan batteries can last over five years if you look after them. But, if there's one thing a battery hates, it's inactivity.
Obviously it depends on how regularly you use your caravan, but prolonged periods where the battery isn't being recharged will not only cause it to drain flat but will damage the cells and reduce its working life.
You'll enjoy better performance for longer if you remove the battery every few weeks and gently trickle-charge it with a domestic charger. The Selmar Guardian Battery Charger  is a great charger that automatically cuts in when the battery needs a top-up. You simply connect it up, plug it in and forget about it.
To check a battery's condition, have it properly tested with an ammeter. Some chargers now have this facility but you can also check the state of the cells with a hydrometer by drawing off a small sample of the electrolyte. A healthy battery should read around 12.8 on the instrument's scale.
Although automotive and leisure batteries look sealed, you can prise off the top lid to inspect the level of electrolyte in the cells. You should top-up any cells that look dry with distilled water only: tap water can damage them. Only top up to cover the cell's plate because any more could cause it to spill over during charging, which leads to acid corrosion to any surrounding metal.
Other maintenance jobs include checking the tightness of the connections and keeping the battery clean and dry. Corrosion at the terminals is rare on a leisure battery but if you do find any, clean it off with boiling water then smear the posts with Vaseline.
Our final piece of advice: don't cling on to a failing battery. Change it now while it's on your mind and won't be stranded later on.
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